Melissa J. Perenson

MovieFactory Makes Creating Movie Discs Easy

Ulead's DVD-burning software is easy to learn and use.

MovieFactory's interface makes performing burning tasks easy.

Rather than attempting to be everything to everyone, Ulead's $50 DVD MovieFactory 5 instead focuses on just one job--burning video and movies to disc--and tries to make it as painless as possible.

Getting started is easy. The launcher's interface is blissfully uncluttered and clean, offering quick access to features that handily cover most video-related burning chores you might want to perform.

For the most part, I found the software convenient to navigate and use for the different tasks. Creating a basic DVD videodisc was a simple and pleasant experience: You just choose the files, and, if they aren't already MPEG-2 encoded, the software will do the necessary transcoding. It works with a variety of formats and is ready to output to high-definition optical as well. Among the other improvements: Ulead has bolstered the video editing tools and introduced an Ad-Zapper feature for removing commercials from TV content.

This application's biggest drawback is its limited flexibility. When I was creating a videodisc, for example, I was often frustrated by the suite's inability to undo an action. Also, I couldn't rotate a background image, nor could I find any way to change the image-quality settings.

Though I found much to like about MovieFactory, I suspect this package will become merely one component of my disc-burning arsenal--a supplement to, but not a replacement for, suites from Nero or Roxio, which each cost about twice the price.

Ulead Systems DVD MovieFactory 5

Useful, relatively easy-to-use software for creating movie DVDs could offer a bit more creative flexibility.

Price when reviewed: $50 (street)

Current prices (if available)